Standard Battery Storage Testing Instructions

SOC140-255 Testing Instructions For Batteries In Storage

Record Battery Manufacturer’s Specs (tester input variables)

AHR Rating at the 20 HR rate________

Battery Voltage: 6 or 12  (circle one)

Step 1:  Visual inspection

Visually inspect the battery to be tested.

Verify any and all visible damage to the battery. Examples: Cracks in plastic case, bulging or swollen plates, any non-uniformity, corrosion, etc. If any visible damage is found, do not test.

If there is no visible damage present, continue to step 2

Step 2: Inspect Battery Temperature

(This is best achieved by use of an IR temp gun)

Record battery temp_________  If the temp of the battery is abnormally higher than the ambient room temperature, there is most likely internal damage.  If temp is abnormally high, do not test.  If temp is normal, move on to step 3.

Step 3: Check Open Circuit Voltage Prior To Charge

Record Pre-Charge OCV__________V

Batteries must be kept with a minimal voltage reading of 2 vpc while in storage.  For example: If, while properly maintained with maintenance charging, a 12v battery is below 12v, or a 6v battery is below 6v, the battery may have internal damage.  Any battery that has been left fully discharged for any period of time may have internal damage.

Step 4: Charge Battery For SOC Testing

(Do not utilize a speed charger, or it will most likely cause internal and irreparable damage to the battery, bulging or swollen plates, shorting, excessive surface charge, false capacity after damage…)**

If a battery has been allowed to self-discharge below 2vpc in storage, it may require several full discharge/recharge cycles to “build capacity back up to 100%” if at all possible.         If the battery cannot be built back up to 100% capacity through this process, it is considered a “bad battery”.  The battery should not be tested with the SOC and should not be put back into service; it should be recycled.

Step 5: Dissipate Surface Charge

Disconnect the battery from the charger and dissipate the surface charge.         This should be done by allowing the battery to sit disconnected after charging for 24-48 hours prior to SOC test.

Step 6: Measure Post Charge And Post Surface Charge Dissipation OCV

Post Charge And Post Surface Charge Dissipation OCV________

(If OCV is above 2 vpc move on to step 7, if less than 2 vpc battery is damaged or charging system is not functioning properly)

Step 7: Inspect “Post Charge” Battery Temperature

(This is best achieved by use of an IR temp gun)

Record battery temp_________  If temp of the battery is abnormally higher than the ambient room temperature, there is most likely internal damage.  Do not test.  If temp is normal, move on to Step 8.

Step 8: Select Appropriate “Battery Voltage”

Depress the appropriate “Battery Voltage” for the battery being tested. Select either 6 or 12 volts, as specified on the battery being tested.

Step 9: Connect Test Clips

Connect the black battery clip to the NEGATIVE (-) terminal on the battery. Connect the red battery clip to the POSITIVE (+) terminal on the battery. Ensure the battery clip connections are secure and have made a good electrical connection. IMPORTANT: Do not block the air flow through the fan vents of the tester.

STEP 10: Set Battery AHR Rating to the 20hr Rate

Set the “Ampere Hour” knob to the ampere hour rating of the battery being tested. Ideally, this setting should be within .2 amperes of the rating of the battery. The display will indicate the rating as you adjust the knob. The ampere hour rating should be based on the standard 20 hour rate of the battery under test. This information can usually be found on the battery label.

STEP 11: Start The SOC Test

Depress the “Start Test” button momentarily. The “Test in Progress” light will blink indicating the test has begun.

Do not change “Ampere Hour” or “Battery Temperature” settings once the test has begun.

If the “Test in Progress” light does not blink, make sure the cable connections have not been reversed and depress the “Start Test” button again.

If the test does not begin now, the battery being tested is nearly or fully depleted.

STEP 12: Observe Test Results

View and record voltage drop during test while load is applied.  Record the lowest voltage drop displayed on the “Voltage Analyzer” during test.

Record Lowest Voltage Drop_______V

At the end of 43 seconds the tester will beep and the percentage of the battery being tested may be read. NOTE: If the LED display reads 110%, it is recommended the battery be tested again. It is necessary to sufficiently load the battery to obtain an accurate reading. Some marginal batteries may indicate 110% on the first test and a failing reading on the second test.

Record the SOC Testers Percentage Results_______%

**Speed chargers and/or speed charging after complete discharge.  If the battery has been damaged via deep discharge, and speed charger recharge after damage has taken place, the battery may exhibit “reduced capacity”.  A battery can meet the voltage response tests for being at full charge and sustain load, yet be much lower than its original capacity if the plates are damaged, sulfated, or destroyed from the use of speed chargers after deep discharge.  The battery may give the appearance of being fully charged and of full capacity to deliver under load, yet in reality acts like a battery of a much smaller size. What is left of the plates may be fully functional, but with only a small percentage of the plates functioning.  This changes the variables of the battery, thus reducing the AHR capacity of the battery and can yield a fully functional yet smaller capacity battery. This occurs only if batteries are damaged by the end user through lack of proper maintenance and/or through the misuse of improper charging equipment and is thus eliminated with proper battery maintenance.